Sara Mearns
Sara Mearns is a current NYCB ballerina. Throughout the workshop, Sara shares her story and hardships, along with a few words of wisdom.
- Attended SAB’s Summer Intensive at age 12.
- When she entered Lincoln Center, she felt as if she was entering Balanchine's world.
- Balanchine created Serenade of his first, young students.
- Sara’s brother received a scholarship, due to the high demand of boys in ballet.
- SAB really impacted Sara’s life and ballet training, and could not imagine her life without it.
- After four years of training, she asked Suzy if she could study at SAB year-round. Suzy and SAB said yes, but with no scholarship. However, after more persuasion and thought, SAB accepted Sara for the year-round program, with scholarship.
- Throughout her training at SAB, she attended a summer intensive at the San Francisco Ballet. At the intensive, Sara was invited to stay in the company. Sara declined the invite into the SF Ballet because SAB told Sara to come back to the city, because she had earned her apprenticeship.
- Throughout her apprenticeship she experienced weight problems, and was struggling to keep up with the demanding schedule.
- Further into her apprenticeship, Peter Martins told Sara that NYCB wasn't for her. Sara went home to South Carolina, and became very depressed. Nevertheless, she returned to the studio and her name was on the casting bard for Odette/Odile in the Swan Lake. She was astonished. This was Sara’s “Big Break.”
- Grew as person from working with Peter Martins.
- While Sara dances Chaconne, she sometimes feels Balanchine present in the theater.
- Balanchine’s choreography is very modern, intricate, and exact.
- Now, NYCB is working with Justin Peck, who is very abstract and has a vision.
- Every NYCB dancer has energy and is a special individual.
- Peter is always telling Sara to tone down her acting throughout her dancing, and instead be expressive through her body.
- Sara has injured her back, and twisted her ankles various times.
- “Be you and be true.”
Her dancing has taken her across the globe, and has enabled her to embark on many partnerships and opportunities, such as creating her own shoe-style with Cole Haan. Sara Mearns is a very talented dancer, who shares you presence with the audience when she performs. She has been following her passion and has a drive to succeed.
Visit her website at www.SaraMearns.com